New Research Proves Mothers Who do this Bond Better With Their Children

Breast milk may be tremendously important to mother-baby bonding. New research shows that breast-feeding mothers are more likely than formula-feeding moms to bond with their infants, and also demonstrate stronger brain responses when they hear their baby cry.Researchers divided a group of new mothers into breast-feeders and formula-feeders, and performed functional MRIs (fMRI) on them about a month after their babies were born. Although all the mothers' brains became more active when listening to their own baby's cry, the changes in the breast-feeding mothers' relevant brain regions were much greater.Time Magazine reports:“The study, which the researchers say is the first to link brain activity with maternal behavior, is likely to reinforce the convictions of breast-feeding mothers that they're doing right by their babies”.

Dr. Mercola's Comments:

Breastfeeding is the least expensive and most effective way to improve and protect your baby's health, and now a first-of-its-kind study also suggests that breastfeeding may have a direct impact on a mother's brain, promoting 'maternal behavior' and increasing emotional bonding between the mother and child. This is not altogether surprising, since breastfeeding promotes the increased release of oxytocin, also known as the "love hormone," or "bonding hormone."

Breastfeeding Alters Your Brain Activity

Still, it's interesting to note the changes in brain activity observed in breastfeeding moms. The results were published in the April issue of the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, and the researchers suggest that breastfeeding may be "the secret" that strengthens mother-baby bonding.The Yale University researchers divided mothers into two groups:

Nine breast-feeders

Eight formula-feeders

About one month after giving birth, the mothers underwent functional MRIs (fMRI) while listening to audio clips of their own baby, and an unknown baby, crying. While all of the mothers' brains became more active when listening to their own baby's cry, the breastfeeding mothers displayed more significant activity in relevant brain regions.Whether or not this is directly related to increased oxytocin levels, or whether some other mechanism is at play is still unknown. But it can be worthwhile to take this information into consideration if you're still on the fence about breastfeeding, or perhaps if you're concerned about being able to successfully bond with your baby whether breastfeeding, or not.

The Many Health Benefits of Breastfeeding—For Both Mother and Child

Aside from promoting stronger emotional bonding, breastfeeding offers a long list of life-long health benefits, not just for the child, but for the mother as well.Studies have shown that breastfed babies gain added protection against:

Breastfeeding can also help promote cognitive development in your child. It also benefits the mother in several ways, including:

Enhancing maternal behavior through increased oxytocin release

"Natural birth control," as it suppresses ovulation, making pregnancy less likely

Diabetic mothers typically require less insulin

Easier weight loss

Reducing your risk of endometrial-, ovarian- and breast cancers

Reducing your risk of metabolic syndrome

Breastfeeding More Successful with Proper Maternity Leave

A recent article in Medical News Today brings up a related and important point in terms of what can help make breastfeeding more successful, and that is extended maternity leave.Ideally, you'll want to breastfeed your baby for at least six months, but this can be tricky if you have to return to work after a few short weeks of maternity leave. An article in the journal Pediatrics, published last month, points out that national breastfeeding rates in the US still fall short of the "Healthy People 2010" goals.Of the women who had at least 13 weeks maternity leave, just over 74 percent started breastfeeding. Meanwhile, the breastfeeding rate dropped by nearly 10 percent for women who only had one to six weeks maternity leave. Those with longer maternity leave also had the highest ratio of babies still breastfeeding at three months of age. The authors concluded:"If new mothers delay their time of return to work, then duration of breastfeeding among US mothers may lengthen."One answer to increase breastfeeding rates would be to extend the Family and Medical Leave Act, which is the recommendation of the study's authors. American women are currently entitled to 12 weeks unpaid leave after giving birth, according to the US Family Leave and Medical Act. However, this federal law does not apply to many women who work for small businesses with fewer than 50 employees, as they only have to offer this benefit to women who have worked a minimum of 1,250 hours in the preceding 12 months. For comparison:

Swedish mothers get 16 months maternity leave at 80 percent pay

Japanese women receive 14 weeks leave at 66 percent pay, and

Canadians get 17 weeks off at 55 percent of their regular salary

Since American law does not require the employer to pay a percentage of a woman's salary during maternity leave, taking extra time off is a financial impossibility for many families. While there's no easy answer to that dilemma (barring legislative changes), if you can afford it, it may be well worth considering...

Is Home Birth Right for You?

In related news, home births are now at the highest level since 1990, and this could be a beneficial trend to help increase breastfeeding rates. While there are multiple reasons for this trend, I see it as a sign that more families are now starting to take back control of their health, and that of their offspring. Patient-doctor trust is wearing thin these days, as conflicts of interest are becoming increasingly obvious, and more people are looking for low intervention birthing options. Many parents also want to return to a more soothing and natural way of greeting their child into the world, and opt to avoid immediate vaccinations. As an added benefit, home births are also less expensive, costing about one-third of a hospital birth.According to a recently published study in the journal Birth, the number of American women delivering their babies at home increased by a healthy 20 percent between 2004 and 2008. The primary thrust behind this change is attributed to white women increasingly opting to give birth at home—Caucasians accounted for 94 percent of the increase.

Which is Safer—Home Births or Hospital Births?

There's much controversy over this issue. Some studies have concluded that hospital births are safer, and many women are still dissuaded by their obstetricians to pursue a home birth. But is all that worry warranted?An interesting review of the evidence was published back in 2003, which shatters many of these concerns.Published in the journal Birth, the authors criticize the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists for sensationalizing negative studies; one in particular alleged to have found that home births doubled the risk of newborn death. However, upon more careful review, the study in question contained "numerous flaws and limitations," and "could not be used" to make an informed decision about whether or not women should be discouraged from opting for home birth.The review reads, in part: "... The authors noted "controversy" in literature concerning the safety of home deliveries, but cited only 4 studies that they claim support their findings of increased risk of neonatal mortality and adverse outcomes. They failed to mention or discuss findings from the bulk of the recent national and international literature, which concluded that planned home birth is a safe and reasonable option. More importantly, they misrepresented the literature that they did cite. Even a cursory examination of those studies revealed that two of them included both low- and high-risk women in the home birth group.... [R]eviewing controlled trials in Europe, Springer and Van Weel concluded that planned home birth is "safe in selected women and with adequate infrastructure and support". In the United States, Murphy and Fullerton concluded, "home birth can be accomplished with good outcomes under the care of qualified practitioners and within a system that facilitates transfer to hospital care when necessary."The authors also point out that:"... Recently, a policy statement by the Governing Council of the American Public Health Association concluded that "Births to healthy mothers, who are not considered at medical risk after comprehensive screening by trained professionals, can occur safely in various settings, including out-of-hospital birth centers and homes."High-risk pregnancies that are typically not good candidates for home birth include women who are:

Over the age of 40

Obese (weighing over 300 pounds)

Hypertensive

Diabetic

The review concludes with the following advice:"... Each year in the United States more than 25,000 women choose to deliver at home. It is time for the AmericanCollege of Obstetricians and Gynecologists to recognize that the evidence calls for improvements in the provision of out-of-hospital services, rather than their elimination, and to provide leadership in ensuring adequate infrastructure and support for those women choosing home birth. It is time for national funding groups, government health agencies, and editorials to support investigations on the models of care that produce optimal outcomes across birth sites."And:"... When the findings of a new study disagree with copious evidence from high-quality trials, the study methodology and interpretation must be examined closely." Hopefully this level-headed review of the evidence will help put your mind at ease. Because while there's no way to completely eliminate all risk inherent with childbirth, there's actually very little evidence to indicate that giving birth at home with a well-qualified birthing professional is riskier than giving birth in a hospital, as long as you're in good health, and have a normal, low-risk pregnancy. On the contrary, it may actually be safer. And the added benefits can be great.

A mother's breast milk is nature's perfect and complete foodfor babies and can't even come close to being reproduced. With so many substances known to be present in breastmilk, but unable to be replicated inbreastmilk substitutes (formula), plus all of the as-yet unidentified constituents,it should come as no great surprise that children today are suffering from a vastmyriad of illnesses and disorders.

The human brain is infinitely more sophisticated than the world's fastest computer,yet many people naively think that this wondrous organ can be perfectly constructedwithout any regard to the "raw materials" required. Building a properlyfunctioning brain requires the right materials, just as building a computer would.Imagine trying to build a computer from scratch, without any microchips. Or tryingto build a house without any lumber, bricks, steel, or other materials.

However, while there is no way to create a formula equal to breastmilk, there aresteps that can be taken to improve somewhat upon the standard formulas that areavailable.

One of the nutritional areas that are woefully inadequate with formulas is in regardsto their fatty acid content. With all of the anti-fat propaganda going onthese days, most people don't realize the critical importance of fat, especiallywith infants. Not only is the quantity important, but the quality and breakdownof the types of fat supplied as well.

Many people have heard about the benefits and importance of the omega-3 fatty acidsDHA and EPA, found primarily in fish.

The importance of DHA in the infants' diet recently prompted many countries (notincluding the US ) to allow formula producers to fortify their products with DHA ,as well as AA. Currently, DHA /AA enhanced formulas are available, although not mandatory,throughout most of Europe .

Unfortunately, this small step still does not provide infants the nutrients theydesperately require, due to several problems.

First of all, the DHA added to the formulas,obtained from microalgae, is highly oxidized (approximately 30%)

Additionally, DHA and AA are not the sole fat constituents of breastmilk.Fortifying with them is a step in the right direction, but still leaves out plentyof important substances.

In an effort to help people provide their infants with the best possible nutrition,we often instruct mothers to "create" fortified formulas. But of coursewe insist that mothers breastfeed if at all possible or even obtain fresh breastmilkfrom a lactating friend or relative, if they have adopted a baby, or can't breastfeedfor some reason.

For the infant to remain as healthy as possible, he must obtain a proper balanceof all the essential fats, which is difficult to impossible, especiallywhen you are changing mother nature and trying to create a formula.

However, below is a basic fat fortification protocol, which attempts to come asclose as possible to "the real thing":

*

Kiddie Krill - one per day

*

Organic egg yolk - 1 yolk daily added at four months of age

*

Organic cream ideally non-pasteurized and non-homogenized -- If you are unable to find a local dairy farmer who will cooperate with you please try this link: http://www.realmilk.com/where.html.

One teaspoon high quality coconut oil. This oil needs to be heated to 76 degrees to become a liquid.

Base oils as safflower, sunflower and sesame can be blended into the formula.

It is important, if not breastfeeding, to use one of the commercially availableformulas as a "base" from which to fortify the infant's diet. Althoughsome people might be tempted to create their own homemade formula, I don't recommendthis approach, as it is just too dangerous that something could be inadvertentlyleft out or added in too great a quantity. A mistake could cost an infant his life.

Nutramagen or Alimentumcan be used as a base infant formula and 'doctored up' with nutritional perks. Bothof these formulas are acceptable in regard to the 'allergic' aspect, and are theones usually used when children cannot tolerate anything. Of course, they are alsothe most expensive.

FORTIFIED COMMERCIAL FORMULA

Makes about 35 ounces

This stopgap formula can be used in emergencies, or when the ingredients for homemadeformula are unavailable.

* 1 cup Mead Johnson low-iron, milk-based powdered formula, Nutramigen or Alimentum are best and better tolerated but are more expensive

* 29 ounces filtered water (3 5/8 cups)

* 1 large egg yolk from an organic egg uncooked. Do not give to infant unless older than four months of age

* 1 Kiddie Krill

Place all ingredients in a blender or food processor and blend thoroughly. Place6-8 ounces in a very clean glass bottle. (Store the rest in a very clean glass jarin the refrigerator for the next feedings.) Attach a clean nipple to the bottleand set in a pan of simmering water until formula is warm but not hot to the touch,shake well and feed to baby. (Never heat formula in a microwave oven!)

If your baby is premature, one additional area of fortification is in the area offree amino acids, most notably taurine. This nutrient is also critical for infant development and is foundin human milk but not in cow's milk. Although many formulas add some taurine, ithas been shown that formula-fed infants have lower levels of taurine in their bloodthan breastfed infants do, even when the formula has added taurine.

Contrary to the advice given by some, soy milk, almond milk,or carrot juice, even if organic and homemade, are most definitely NOT ACCEPTABLESUBSTITUTES FOR BREASTMILK, or even for formula.

For those mothers who are breastfeeding, it is important to realize that the essentialfatty acid content of her breast milk coincides with what she eats. Therefore, herdiet is very important for the health of her baby. One of the most important thingsthat a breastfed mother can do is to avoid foods containing trans fats, such asmargarine and anything with hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils.

While one can't guarantee that taking the steps outlined above will completely eliminateproblems such as ADD/ADHD and other behavioral problems, developmental problems,autism, visual difficulties, and others, I believe it is a strong possibility thatit could help to reduce their incidence, although it is important to always rememberthat BREAST IS BEST.

Please recognize that soy formula is an unmitigated disaster for infants and should never be used.Fact is, it can harm your baby, as it is high in:

* Manganese

* Aluminum

* Phytoestrogens that will harm your baby

(For more information please read the links below.)

Alternatively a raw milk formula can be made:

MILK-BASED FORMULA From Weston Price Foundation

Makes 36 ounces

Our milk-based formula takes account of the fact that human milk is richer in whey,lactose, vitamin C, niacin, and long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids comparedto cow’s milk but leaner in casein (milk protein). Use only truly expeller-expressedoils in the formula recipes, otherwise they may lack vitamin E.

The ideal milk for baby, if he cannot be breastfed, is clean, whole raw milk fromgoats. If goats are not available, them milk from cows certified free of disease,that feed on green pasture would be a second best choice. For sources of good qualitymilk, see www.realmilk.comor contact a local chapter of the Weston A. Price Foundation.

If the only choice available to you is commercial milk, choose whole milk, preferablyorganic and unhomogenized, and culture it with a piima or Kefir Culture to restore enzymes.

2 cups whole milk, raw (non-pasteurized) milk from pasture-fed cows

1/4 cup homemade liquid whey (See recipe for whey)

4 tablespoons lactose (available from The Apothecary 301-530-1112)

1 teaspoon bifidobacterium infantis

2 Kiddie Krill

1 teaspoon expeller-expressed sunflower oil

1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil

2 teaspoons coconut oil

2 teaspoons Frontier brand nutritional yeast flakes

2 teaspoons gelatin

1 7/8 cups filtered water

1/4 teaspoon acerola powder

Add gelatin to water and heat gently until gelatin is dissolved. Place all ingredientsin a very clean glass or stainless steel container and mix well. To serve, pour6 to 8 ounces into a very clean glass bottle, attach nipple and set in a pan ofsimmering water. Heat until warm but not hot to the touch, shake bottle well andfeed baby. (Never, never heat formula in a microwave oven!) Note: If you are usingthe Lact-Aid, mix all ingredients well in a blender.)

Variation: Goat Milk Formula

Although goat milk is rich in fat, it must be used with caution in infant feedingas it lacks folic acid and is low in vitamin B12, both of which are essential tothe growth and development of the infant. Inclusion of nutritional yeast to providefolic acid is essential. To compensate for low levels of vitamin B12, add 2 teaspoonsfrozen organic raw chicken liver, finely grated to the batch of formula. Be sureto begin egg-yolk feeding at four months.